Uni Prep 1: DSA Demystified

If studying with a disability, learning difference, mental health condition, or long-term illness makes uni or college harder, the Disabled Students Allowance (or DSA) can help.

Think of it as a support package designed just for you – not based on income, and it doesn’t need to be paid back.

Sounds good, right?

Oh, and the details below are for students funded through Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales. If you are funded by a different funding body, most of the info below is relevant, but check with your funding body about the specific process – it’s a bit different for each of them. It can sound confusing at first, but don’t worry – here’s our step-by-step guide to applying for the DSA that won’t make your brain melt.

Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible

You can apply if you:

• Have a long-term health condition, mental health condition, specific learning difficulty (like dyslexia or ADHD), a physical impairment, are hard of hearing or Deaf, or are blind or visually impaired.

• Are on a qualifying higher education course in the UK

• Are eligible for student finance (you don’t have to be taking out a loan, though, just be eligible)

Step 2: Fill in the Application

There are two ways to apply, depending on whether you’ve applied for student finance:

If you’ve already applied for Student Finance:

• Log in to your Student Finance Account

• Go to “Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances”

• Fill in the short DSA section.

If you haven’t applied for Student Finance yet:

• Apply for student finance at the same time, and include your DSA request

• You’ll also need to send in evidence (see the next step).

Step 3: Send Your Evidence

This is proof of your condition or diagnosis. It could be:

• A letter from a GP or specialist (or ask them to complete a disability evidence form)

• A diagnostic report (e.g. for dyslexia)

• An Educational Psychologist’s report

Step 4: Book a Needs Assessment

Once your application and evidence are approved, you’ll get a letter or email saying it’s time to book a Needs Assessment.

This isn’t a test – it’s a friendly chat (usually online, but can be in-person if you’d prefer) with a specialist Needs Assessor, who will ask you about:

• What areas of studying at uni/college do you think you’ll find difficult (think reading, writing, note-taking, etc)

• What support you had in the past

• What equipment, software, or human support might make things easier (don’t worry, they’ll suggest lots of options, so you don’t have to try and think of everything yourself!)

Step 5: Your Needs Assessment Report & DSA2 letter

After your assessment:

• You’ll first get a report outlining what support is being recommended for funding, and how it will help you

• Then you’ll get an email stating which of the recommended support will be funded through the DSA (in most cases, it’ll be everything recommended)

• You’ll also get information on what to do next, but you don’t need to arrange any of the support yourself – someone will be in touch to get it all moving.

That’s It! You’re Done!

You’ll now start receiving the support you’re entitled to. No repayments, no stress.

FAQs (a.k.a “Wait, What?”)

Can I apply anytime?

Yes – even mid-course. But the earlier, the better.

Will my university know I applied?

Only if you agree to share the report. You’re in control.

Do I have to apply and have an assessment every year?

If you are taking a student loan, everything rolls over for each year of your course – no need for you to do anything. If you are self-funded, you do need to confirm that you are on the course each year. The assessment usually only happens once, but if your circumstances change significantly, you can ask for a review of your needs, which is like a mini re-assessment.

Applying for DSA can feel like a bit of a faff, but it’s totally worth it, as these students will tell you.

You’re not asking for special treatment – you’re levelling the playing field.

Need help? Your uni or college will have a disability or support team who can guide you. Or check out the official guide.

This is part of our four-part Uni Prep blog series, designed to help neurodivergent and disabled students feel confident and supported as they start university.

Explore the full series

Part 1: DSA Demystified
Part 2: Check Your Tech
Part 3: Fix Your Finances
Part 4: Start Uni Strong